ESB spokeswoman Bernadine Moloney has told Independent.ie that power has now been restored to all homes affected by the faults caused by Storm Clodagh.

However she said that a new fault on the grid system has affected 3,000 homes in Kilbeggan in Co Westmeath, leaving them without power this evening.

Crews are working to restore power and it is hoped that all affected homes will be re-connected in the next couple of hours.

Overnight the worst affected areas were Youghal, Co Cork and Randalstown, Co Meath where 1700 customers were without power.

Brian Farrell, spokesman for the Road Safety Authority, said drivers should be on the lookout for debris blowing onto roads while motorcyclists and cyclists should take extra precautions to avoid being blown over or into traffic.

Rain was already causing a lot of spot flooding in parts of Cork, Galway and Sligo yesterday and surface water was reported on the M50. Mr Farrell urged drivers to be aware of the dangers of driving through flooded areas which can be treacherous and cause extensive damage to engines.

"Observe all flood warnings and don't risk driving through flooded areas, you could cause thousands of euros in damage to your car if it gets flooded," he said.

Drivers should also slow down to avoid aquaplaning which occurs when a layer of water comes between the road and tyres, resulting in a loss of traction.

"It's like driving on ice. The tyres have no grip so if you drive too fast you'll aquaplane," he said.

Meanwhile, conditions will remain bleak into next week, according to Met Eireann.

Heavy rain will gradually clear eastward today but there will also be a risk of heavy scattered showers and gale force southwest to westerly winds that will veer northwest later today before slackening by this evening.